In a dramatic unfolding of events, the ongoing feud between Edo State’s two prominent leaders, Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu, has taken a legal turn. The impeachment saga, which has captured the public’s attention, took center stage today, August 10, as Justice Ahmed Muhammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja reiterated his earlier directive for the preservation of the status quo regarding the alleged impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
This judicial intervention was spurred by the State Security Service’s (SSS) inability to present a compelling case as to why the primary lawsuit should not be considered. Justice Muhammed’s initial temporary order, issued on August 4, stemmed from a motion filed by Shuaibu, requesting the court’s protection against his potential removal from office by his superior.
During today’s proceedings, the other defendants confirmed their readiness by submitting their respective legal documents. However, the counsel representing the SSS admitted to not yet filing the court-requested application, asserting their belief that their involvement in the matter was unwarranted. The presiding judge reprimanded the SSS counsel, suggesting that they should have submitted their application prior to airing their concerns, thus prompting the court to take note.
In light of these developments, Justice Mohammed adjourned the case until August 22, urging the SSS counsel to submit their process within the next 24 hours. Notably, the judge emphasized that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) was well-informed about the ongoing proceedings, despite the absence of representation from the IGP in the courtroom.
The root cause of this political drama lies in the ambitions of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, who has been reportedly considering a run for the governorship of Edo State in the 2024 elections. As signs of their differences became apparent, it was anticipated by many political analysts that the working relationship between Obaseki and Shaibu would deteriorate. However, the acceleration of this divide was unexpected, occurring a mere 16 months prior to the conclusion of their joint tenure.
The crisis between the two leaders reached a critical juncture due to an affidavit filed by Shaibu in the Federal High Court in Abuja. In his application, he seeks the court’s intervention to safeguard him against potential impeachment, unveiling a previously concealed strained rapport between him and Governor Obaseki.
Sources suggest that Shaibu’s gubernatorial aspirations faced resistance from his superior, despite his assurance that he was consulting widely. The Governor’s supporters contend that the governorship might be zoned out of Edo North Senatorial District, primarily to avoid favoring the same area as Oshiomhole and Shaibu. They advocate for Edo Central Senatorial District, arguing that if it goes to Edo North, it should be Etsako West, where both leaders hail from. This political discord stems from Obaseki’s perceived displeasure with Shaibu’s ambition, despite the deputy governor’s prior support and accolades.
Responding to the lawsuit initiated by his deputy, Governor Obaseki expressed his belief that the legal action was a preemptive measure to allow Shaibu to switch parties while retaining his current position. Obaseki pointed out that the Edo election timeline has not been set yet, implying that Shaibu’s move is aimed at securing his position before seeking nomination from another party. The Governor expressed disappointment over the turmoil, highlighting the negative impact on the state’s reputation both locally and internationally.
The current situation is regrettable, as the very leaders who once united against Adams Oshiomole during the last Edo state Governorship election are now embroiled in their own conflict. This turn of events might be providing Adams Oshiomole with a sense of amusement.
